Learn About Niclosamide and Its Medications, Uses, and Side Effects

Feb 12, 2023

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Doctors may often suggest taking an anthelmintic like niclosamide to get rid of parasitic worms. It has been seen that it works effectively against broad or fish tapeworms, dwarf tapeworms, and beef tapeworms. It is important to note that it is not effective in treating pinworms or roundworms. After you take niclosamide, the tapeworms are killed and then they are excreted through the feces, however, the dead worms are often so small that you may not notice them.

You need a prescription to get niclosamide.

Before niclosamide was used.

Before opting to take niclosamide, it is important to carefully analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks. You and your physician will make this decision in unity. Consider the following prior to using niclosamide:

Allergies

Be sure to alert your physician in the event of a strange or adverse reaction to niclosamide or any other medication. Additionally, disclose any allergies to food, pigments, preservatives, or animals. Make certain to read the tag or list of components on all over-the-counter remedies you purchase. Based on the meager amount of children who were exposed to the drug, there is no proof that pediatrical doses of niclosamide produce any other reactions or troubles in kids than they do in grown-ups.

Geriatric

Research on drugs for the elderly population requires more attention, as it isn’t known if these drugs have the same effect or if negative reactions might occur. To date, there is a scarcity of evidence comparing niclosamide usage by elderly and youth groups. However, current studies involving mothers who nurse have reported that there are no dangers for children when the mother takes nichelosamide.

Pharmaceutical interactions

If two medications lead to an interaction, they can still be taken together. Your doctor might modify the dosage or implement more specific precautions tailored to your unique circumstances. It is also essential to tell your doctor if you are using any extra medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter.

The Interactions Between Food, Tobacco, and Alcohol

It is vital to stay away from taking certain medicines shortly before, during, or soon after eating to avert probable damaging drug associations. It is possible for medicines to have a reaction with each other, and this can be more complicated if combining with alcohol or tobacco is also involved. Speak to your medical professional prior to mixing your medication with anything, for example, food, drink, or tobacco.

Taking niclosamide pills properly

No special precautions need to be taken before, during, or after the taking of niclosamide (like having special meals, fasting, using other drugs, laxatives, or enemas). It may either be taken before or after a meal, although it is recommended to do so after a small one (e.g. breakfast) to lessen the chance of stomach irritation. The tablet should be chewed/crushed into a powder and then ingested with a minimal amount of water. When providing niclosamide to a child, it is advised to pulverize it and mix it with a tiny quantity of water to create a paste.

Nicosamide patients who have been diagnosed with beef tapeworms, broad tapeworms, or fish tapeworms:

It is possible to rid yourself of sickness permanently through following your doctor’s instructions for taking niclosamide. Usually, only one dose is sufficient. However, in certain situations, a twofold dose may be necessary to eradicate the disease entirely.

Narrow-worm tapeworm (dwarf tapeworm) patients on niclosamide:

It is important to complete the full 7 days of taking niclosamide, even if the signs of your infection disappears. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to extend the duration of the treatment. Don’t stop taking the medication before the 7 day course is finished, otherwise your illness may reappear. Do not forget or skip any doses of niclosamide. Interestingly, some people infected with tapeworms show no signs or symptoms of the infection.

Dosing

According to Niclosam – Depending on the patient, the amount of niclosamide needed may change. If you’re unsure, consult with the instructions on the label or your physician. The information below explains standard niclosamide dosage.

The strength of the medicine you have will determine the amount to take. Depending on the condition you’re treating, your doctor will decide the regularity of your doses, the intervals between them, and the number of days required for the medication.

For the adult treatment of either fish tapeworm or beef tapeworm, one dosage of 2 grams is taken orally (in tablets). If necessary, the process can be repeated in seven days.

A doctor will decide the correct dose of medicine depending on the age and weight of any child. Those who weigh between 11 and 34 kg (24.2 to 74.8 pounds) should take 1 gram once, and can take another dose after seven days should it be needed. Those who weigh more than 34 kg (74.8 pounds) must have 1.5 grams, and can have a second round of treatment in seven days, if necessary. For adults who need treatment for dwarf tapeworm, 2 grams must be taken daily for seven days, and the therapy can be done again within seven to fourteen days if necessary.

Your doctor will determine the right dosage for your child depending on their age and weight. For those with a weight in the range of 11-34 kg (or 24.2-74.8 lbs), 1 gram should be taken on the first day and 500 mg once daily for the subsequent six days. If the treatment was not effective, it can be repeated in a timeframe of 7-14 days. Infants and toddlers with a weight greater than 34 kg (or 75 lbs) should take 1.5 grams on the initial day, then 1 gram a day for the following 6 days. The process can be performed again if necessary in a timespan of 7-14 days.

Lack of dose

Take your forgotten dose of niclosamide as soon as you become aware. If you’re close to the time for your next dose, don’t take the missed one and continue with your usual routine. Refrain from taking two doses.

Storage

Store the medicine somewhere free of moisture, away from young ones and animals. Make sure it does not freeze.
Do not allow children to access this.
Do not keep any medicine around that has gone past its expiration date or that is no longer necessary.
Admonitions concerning the use of niclosamide
Your doctor needs to monitor your progress closely in order to make sure the infection is fully eliminated.
If your condition has not improved or has become worse after a couple of days, you should visit a physician.

Niclosamide capsules adverse effects

Not everybody who takes a drug will experience the desirable outcome that it was designed to produce. Although it is not always the case, a few may have to endure negative side effects and should consult their doctor if that happens.
It’s possible that certain outcomes may not require medical care. As your body adjusts to the medication, these negative effects are more likely to dissipate. Additionally, your doctor may have advice that could help limit or even prevent any adverse reactions. If any of the following are persistent or cause distress, consult your physician right away.
Its frequency is diminishing.
Aching or spasming in the abdominal area
A person suffering from anorexia as a result of an upset stomach.
Feeling sick to the stomach or having the urge to vomit

Rare

Lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness
lower abdominal itching
bad odor skin rash
Certain individuals may have more unmentioned negative effects. If you have any other symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor.